South Six-Shooter before the storm

South Six-Shooter as seen from the plateau below the summit cone as a storm approaches. We called off the climb at this point due to ominous clouds and very high winds. By the time we escaped down the wash and found a campsite an incredible sand storm was in full swing. The skies cleared overnight and we made a successful (but very cold) ascent the following morning. Indian Creek, Utah. March 2009.

The sandstorm was spooky. The skies looked really ominous, the winds were very strong, sand was everywhere, and I didn't know if it was normal or if we should get the heck out of there (I'm very new to the desert)!

Interesting question. For one thing, it seems like I end up eating a lot of sand :). Sand gets in my shoes and acts like sandpaper. The rock is a lot softer and sometimes disintegrates. It was interesting seeing huge marks where ropes had dug into the rock. Oh, and I'm terrified of snakes and spiders, but I have managed to avoid seeing them on my first two trips.